Striping device for knitting machines



vSept. 30, 1941. I R H. LAWSON ET AL 2,257,504

STRIPING DEVICE FOR KNITTING MAHINES Filed July 2, 1957 9 Sheets-Sheet 1' JAIL/Mimi's;

P 4 R. H..LAWSON ET AL 2,257,504

STRIPING DEVICE FOR KNITTING MACHINES Filed July 2, 1957 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 XXI/511770185: 30552715! KAI/[U012 lya'ys'mvakczvg PW FWDMZZ Sept. 30, 1941. R. H. LAWSON ET AL STRIPING DEVICE FOR KNITTINGMACHINES Filed July 2', 1957 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 m QNLN Sept. 30, 1941. R. H. LAWSON ET AL 7,

STRIPiNG DEVICE FOR KNITTING MACHINES Filed July 2, 1957 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 .36 'F ZZ ATTyT P- 1941- R. H. LAWSON ET AL 2,257,504

STRIPING DEVICE FOR KNITTI NG MACHINES Filed July 2, 1957 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 [WI/EJ177055 EaBEETHZAWM/E Az/awm/mm/g P 941. R. H. LAWSON ET AL 2,257,504

STRIPING DEVICE FOR KNITTING MACHINES Filed July 2, 1937 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 P 1941- R. H. LAWSON ET AL- 2,257,504

STRIPING DEVICE FOR KNITTING MACHINES Filed July 2, 1937 Q'Sheets-Sheet 9 FY6122. F1023.

S-BUTTS d,z-s PAcEs S ace No. 0F C0 UESEE Patented Sept. so, 1941 FFHCE s'rnrrmc DEVICE FOR KNITTING MACHINES Robert H. Lawson, Pawtucket, and Augustin Gagn, Central Falls, R. I.,

assignors to Hemphill Company, Central Falls, R. 1., a corporation of Massachusetts Application July 2, 1937, Serial No. 151,722

14 Claims.

This invention has reference to knitting machines and more particularly to knitting machines adapted to knit fabric wherein yarn changes take place periodically for the purpose of horizontal striping or other ornamentation of a like nature. The invention is described with reference to an independent needle knitting machine of the circular type, although not necessarily limited thereto, and may be employed in the knitting of fabrics of all sorts and in the knitting of all types of hosiery.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a plan showing a simple form of the mechanism adapted to control the feeding of different striping yarns and to regulate the operation of the clamp and cutter;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of part of the mechanism of Fig. 1 to an enlarged scale and in greater detail;

Fig. 3 is an elevation taken at one end of the striper controlling mechanism and showing those parts as seen from the right hand end of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a section showing the cylinder head, latch ring, yarn guides and the striper controlling connections which convey motion to these yarn guides in accordance with changes of pattern;

Fig. 5 is a section showing in detail the ratchet control for certain cams which control the function of the striping yarn guides;

Fig. 6 is a section taken at the side of the machine and showing the operating devices for imparting movement to the striper ratcheting pawls;

Fig. 7 is a side elevation, the latch ring being shown in section, to illustrate the general layout of the yarn binder and cutter and the controlling mechanism for the same;

Fig. 8 is an elevation taken at the back of the machine to show such linkage as is provided'for specially manipulating the binder and cutter;

Fig. 9 is a view taken at the back of the machine, partly in section, and showing the drive for the striper ratcheting mechanism and the binder and cutter controlling and actuating means;

Fig. 10 is a section showing the binder and cutter and the controlling mechanism therefor to a larger scale;

Fig. 11 is a similar view showing part of this controlling mechanism in greater detail;

Fig. 12 is a detail plan View showing other parts of the binder controlling means and the manner of operation;

Fig. 13 is an elevation showing special additional pattern determining means which are applied to a simple striper control of Fig. 1, etc.

Fig. 14 is an elevation of the mechanism of Fig. 13 as seen from the right hand end thereof;

Fig. 15 is an elevation of such mechanism as is shown in Fig. 13, but the view is taken from the opposite side;

Figs. 16 and 17 are detail views of one part of the additional striping control of Figs. 13-15;

Fig. 18 is a diagrammatic view showing a half hose as ornamented by an intricate, horizontally striped pattern, the set up for this pattern being shown in Figs. 19-24;

Figs. 19-21 show simultaneous positions of three striping lever control cams and the intermediate levers which convey motion from these cams to the levers themselves;

Fig. 22 shows one of the selector discs which functions to control the movements of those cams represented in Figs. 19-21;

Fig. 23 shows an intermediate control for selective movements of'the disc shown in Fig. 22;

Fig. 24 shows a particular primary pattern means for determining the ratcheting movements of the pattern disc which is'shown in Fig. 23.

The ornamentation of knitted fabrics by means of so-called horizontal striping has been practiced for many years and simple devices for accomplishing this purpose are'well-known. One of th purposes of this case is to provide control for the yarn change to effect horizontal striping in accordance with almost any pattern desired. The changes may be eifected at every course, or at'intervals of any number of courses up to a maximum provided, and the number of courses between which changes of striping occur may be varied with the same color or colors throughout the length ofthe fabric. Thus it is not necessary to repeat the different colored strips at any particular-intervals nor is it necessary with this striping means to make each stripe or any particular stripe of any length, except within limits provided as extremes by the scope of the particular pattern means itself.

Along with the practically universal control for the yarn changes to effect striping of varied characters, we have provided automatic control for the binder and cutter which functions at each change and .is controlled in accordance with the striping pattern itself. That is, every time the pattern is reset so as to obtain a different striping effect in the fabric, it is not necessary to make changes in the control for the binderand cutter; the change in striping pattern automatically provides for correct timing of the binder and cutter so that its operation will follow the sequence of yarn changes in the machine thus making it unnecessary for the knitter to concern himself with more than setting up of the pattern to produce a desired arrangement of striping whereupon proper operation of the binder will result.

The mechanism herein disclosed will be described with respect to a hosiery machine, but it is to be understood that we are by no means limited to hosiery machines and .it is contemplated to employ the principles of the invention in all types of knitting machines wherein yarn change.

may be desirable and/or wherein it may be desirable to control a binder and cutter in accordance with the yarn changing function, or in accordance with any other function ofathe machine which would make it desirable variably to control these very important and desirable elements. The invention herein disclosed embodies a simple form of mechanism adapted to provide the knitter with a number of varying patterns which he may knit at will, and again, with a more comprehensive pattern control which will provide changes and possibility of striping effects which are practical-1y unlimited in scope.

Now referring to Figs. 1-6, a simple form of pattern mechanism is illustrated wherein several different pattern eifects may be produced at will by a manual change from one pattern disc to another. A typical hosiery machine of the Banner type is illustrated wherein the so-called circular base has been shown at I, a latch ring at 2 hinged on the usual latch ring post 3. This latch ring is extended at 6 and provides a pivot upon which are mounted to swing a. series of yarn levers herein shown as five in number. It is, of course, possible to employ fewer 'or a greater number of yarn guiding fingers depending upon the number of colors which it is desired to work with and further, depending upon how many other yarns (non-striping yarns) it is desired to use. In this particular illustration we are employing three fingers for feeding colored striping yarns, these fingers being designated by numerals 6, l and 8. The other fingers may be employed for feeding a heel and toe yarn, reinforcing yarns, or the like. 7

A yarn binder herein designated at 9, and which will be described in greater detail later, is mounted in the usual way on the latch ring and projects downwardly to occupy a position within the needle circle as is common on Banner machines. This; binder is operated by the usual binder control so that it will function at desired times throughout the knitting of an ordinary stocking, that is, a stocking not striped, and the special devices herein described and comprising an essential part of the invention function during striping only, to assure the binding and cutting of the patterning yarns in accordance with changes thereof.

Theextension to the latch ring has an additional bracket IU, Figs. 1 and 4, within which are slidably mounted a series of plungers I I equal in number to thenumber of fingers which are to be employed for striping. In this particular example three plungers are employed, one plunger functioning with each guide 6, I and 8. Theseplungers have at their front ends a projection I2 which fits within :a notch I3 cut in the back of each yarn guiding finger and beneath the pivot 5 so that sliding movements imparted to a plunger will cause a rocking of its particular finger about that pivot. Each plunger has a spring I4 connected at one end to the upwardly extending part I5 adjacent the forward end of. the plunger, and at the other end that spring is held within a comb I6 attached in turn to the bracket I0. Each of these springs I4 may be adjusted as to tension by inserting the spring at any desired coil thereof down between the teeth of the comb whereupon it will be held in that position. The construction is such that under the tension of the springs I4 plungers will be drawn to the right Figs. 1 and 4, and will always tend to move yarn guiding fingers 6, 1 and 8 to a position in which they would feed their respective yarns to the knitting needles. In these figures guide 'I is shown being drawn to such a position but guides 5 and 8 have been moved by the striper control mechanism and against the tension of springs I4 to a position in which they will not feed yarns to the needles but will have their yarns taken within the binder and cutter. The extension 4 rests upon a lug I1 at the upper end of the yarn control lever box !8, this control lever box being of conventional construction and having therein the usual mechanism for control of the non-striping yarns, all as shown in prior patents showing Banner machines.

At the back of the machine and mounted on suitable brackets or extensions I9 and attached by means of suitable screws or th like to the box I8, is the striper controlling mechanism which in this example of the invention comprises a series of pattern discs, any one of which may be selectively employed to control the ratcheting of a series of cams equal in number to th number of striping fingers, these pattern discs being variable according to any desired pattern which it is desired to knit by the control of the striping yarns. Three levers 2|, 22 and 23 depend from a pivot 24 at the upper end of the machine and are aligned with the plungers I I so that one of these levers controls each of the plungers.

The pivot 24 is held within a box-like structure comprising end pieces 25 and 26 and sides 21 and 28. The side 28 is longer than the front piece 21 and is bolted to upright, angular brackets 29 and 30 which are in turn permanently attached to the elements i9 and 28. Each of the l vers 21-23 is maintained in separated position by one of several strips 3!, these strips being inserted within slots cut vertically within the elements 21-and 28, and are held in place by means of the cap pieces'32 and 33, see Figs. 1 and 4. A tie rod 34 also serves in conjunction with the element 28 to maintain th supporting brackets I9 and 20 rigidly in position.

A spindle 35 passes through the central portion of the brackets I9 and 20 and is free to turn in bearings therein. This spindle has a collar 36 integral therewith which is held in position against one side of the bracket 20 by means of a retaining element 37 which is recessed or counterbored to receive the collar 35 and which is permanently secured against the side ofsaid bracket. The collar is free to turn within this retaining element but prevents axial movement of the spindle for reasons which will be explained in due course. Between the upright brackets I9 and 20 a hub 38 is keyed to the spindle or in any other suitable way secured therespective cams. The construction is such that the cams on these cam plates 40-42 are staggered in alignment so that it can generally be stated that while one follower is always off its cams to allow its yarn guide to fall to feeding position, the other followers will be raised on their cams to move their respective yarn guides to a non-feeding position. However, it is desirable that before a feeding yarn guide is moved from feeding relationship to the needles that the next functioning guide be moved to position so as to cause a small overlap. This is accomplished by an over lapping of the cams on th respective plates so that one follower 44 will dwell in position for the correct interval after the other follower 44, whichever one may be next to operate, has dropped from its cam. By proper overlapping of the cams it is possible to secure an overlap of the striping yarns throughout any desired number of needles, but of course, only a few needles are necessary for this purpose.

The hub 38 abuts against a collar 45 which is adjustable as to position along the spindle. At the end of spindle 35 a frictioning means has been attached which comprises the usual plungers maintained within a spider 45 and which plungers are spring pressed outwardly to create a friction or resistance as the spider which is attached to the spindle rotates. These plungers bear against the side of bracket l9 and the resistance created is sufiicient to hold the spindle and all attached parts rigidly in position except when they are ratcheted by means of pawl 41 which is continuously reciprocated to impart a single tooth movement to the ratchet wheel 39 once for every revolution of the knitting machine unless otherwise controlled.

The pawl 41 is pivoted at 48 in the forked end of a short lever 49 in turn fixed to a short spindle or shaft 50. This pawl is urged into engagement with the teeth of ratchet wheel 38 by means of a leaf spring all as shown in Fig. 5. The shaft or spindle 58 passes through bearings in the bracket l8 and 28 and is maintained in position by a collar 52 and a second arm or lever 53 fixed by means of a set screw or by any other attaching means to the inner end of the spindle. This lever 53 is similar to the lever 49 and carries a second pawl 54 the functionof which will be explained in one of the following paragraphs. The spindle 58 has a short lever 55 fixed by means of a set screw 58 to its outer end and this lever has attached thereto a downwardly projecting link 51 which is in turn connected at its lower end at 58 to one end of a rocking lever 59 pivoted at 88 to a bracket 8| fixed to any convenient part of the frame of the machine. A spring 62 is attached at 63 to the opposite end of lever 59 and to the frame at 54. This spring is under considerable tension and moves the en- I tire operating mechanism for rocking the pawl carrying spindle 58 in one direction. A cam 65 fixed to a shaft 66 imparts movement in the opposite direction. As shown in Fig. 9, this shaft 66 passes through suitable bearings 61 and 68 slidably adjustable so as to compensate movements of the mechanism which is controlled therefrom. The upper end 13 is slotted at 16 and this slot serves to guide the said link and follower as it engages about shaft 66. The shaft is maintained in position by collars I1 and 18,

each adjustable along the length of the shaft.

The cam extends outwardly in an enlarged hub 19, which hub also serves to fix the cam to the shaft by means of a set screw 80.

With so much of the mechanism as has been described to this point, each revolution of the needle cylinder of the machine would be accompanied by a ratcheting movement of spindle 35 and the attached cams on plates 40-;42 throughout one tooth of the ratchet wheel 39. In the construction shown the ratchet wheel 39 carries twenty-four teeth, although it is to be understood that this number is not necessarily controlling but is merely one example of a satisfactory construction. If no other control were available, at each ratcheting movement one of the yarn levers 68 would be raised from position and another would drop into position so that single course. stripes would be made continuously. These stripes would alternate in colors as the yarn levers were dropped to position, there being twenty-four stripes for each revolution of the spindle 35, these 24 stripes being divided into three colors alternating in a continuous sequence such as red, black, white, these being repeated eight times. Of course, at the next rotation and at those subsequent, the same 24, courses would be repeated.

Referring to Figs. 1-5, a second spindle 8| is rotatably carried within bearings 82 and 83. This spindle has a depending lever 84 which is attached fixedly to the spindle by means of a set screw 85. The lower end of lever 84 has link 86 connected thereto, the other end of the link being connected about a pin 81 threaded into plate 88 which is carried for free rotation about the hub 38. This plate 88 has a curved strip 89 attached so that said strip overlaps the teeth of the ratchet wheel 39 and can be moved to and from a position beneath the pawl 41. This plate 89 acts as ablufier for the pawl 41 whenever it is moved by means of the lever 84, connecting link 86 and other mechanism turning the plate 88 in a counter-clockwise direction, Fig. 5.

The spindle 8|, lever 84, etc., is moved in accordance with a pattern set up on one of several pattern discs, generally indicated at 90. These pattern discs include a plurality of butts 9| which are frangible or otherwise removable; in this particular instance each disc has 48 separate butts thereon, but it is to be understood that a disc may be provided with any desirable number of butts and that the pattern possibilities will merely be decreased or increased over what is shown in this particular example. None of the butts have beenshown as removed in these figures, although it'is essential that some should be removed for varying the pattern and in actual practice many of the butts would be left on these discs while others would be removed, one particular example being shown in Fig. 22 which will be described in detail later. These discs are mounted on a hub 92 which is in turn carried on a sleeve 93 formed as an extension of the element 31, Fig. 2. The discs are keyed or otherwise held from rotation on the hub 92, but the hub itself is free to rotate on said sleeve. A ratchet wheel 94 having 48 teeth is attached at the other end of the hub, or at the other side of the group of discs, and is adapted to be engaged by pawl 54. This pawl 54 is carried in the forked end of the arm 53 and is held in engagement with the ratchet wheel by means of spring 95 similar to the spring 5| described with respect to pawl 41. It will be noted that the arm 53 is shorter than arm 49, and also both are reciprocated by the rocking movements of the spindle 50, the longer movement provided for pawl 41 allows it to engage the teeth of ratchet, wheel 39 which are spaced twice the distance of the teeth on ratchet wheel 94. At each reciprocation of the pawls either one will engage a single tooth on its respective ratchet wheel.

The spindle 8| supports a lever 96 having a follower 91 attached thereto, the hub 98 of said lever being freely movable about the spindle. This follower 93 engages upon the butts of one disc in the group 90 in the particular illustration shown, the disc 90 at the very end being the particular one which is engaged. The spindle 8| projects to the right, Figs. 1 and 2, and has a collar 99 fixed by means of a set screw IE at the outer end. An elongated screw HJI having a knurled head I 82 is formed with a recess or groove at I93 which engages within a slot cut at the outer edge of the collar itself. A second collar I64 of similar size is freely slidable on spindle BI and is threaded to receive the screw IOI. A set screw IE is provided for locking these elements in position when the collar I84 has been adjusted to some particular place along spindle BI. The collar I84 carries an angular piece I06 which is so shaped as to engage part way around a groove or undercut portion III! in the hub 98. By means of this mechanism the hub 98 and lever or arm 96 may be moved along the spindle and at the same time the follower 91 will be moved along to engage with anydesired one of the discs in the group 90. Any suitable number of discs may be set up in this group, there being I9 discs herein shown. It is to be understood that each of these discs may have a different pattern set up thereon and by means of the knurled adjusting screw, the lever 95 can be set so that any one of the 19 patterns may be produced at will. Of course the discs are removable and if some other pattern is desired, one of the 19 discs may be substituted by another having the desired pattern. Movements of lever 96 as the follower 91 rides upon and drops from butts on this particular disc being engaged would merely swing that lever which is free to turn about the spindle. A second and adjoining lever N33 is fixed to spindle 8! by means of a set screw I09 and at its free end carries a pin H0 which bears upon the upper edge of lever 95. Thus it may be seen that whenever the lever 98 is moved upwardly this movement will be imparted through the lever- H28 to spindle SI and the connecting linkage will then function to move the bluffer plate 89 out from under pawl 41. The spindle 8| carries a fixed lever III at the left hand end, Figs. 1 and 2, and this lever has attached thereto a spring H2 connected to a hook H3 adjustably attached to an extension H4, Fig., 1. This spring moves the mechanism in opposition to the movements imparted by means of the butts through the lever 96 and returns the bluffer 89 to the position shown in Fig. 5 wheneverfollower 91 drops from one of the butts DI. To change a pattern it is only necessary for the operator to loosen up the screw Ifi5and to turn the knurled head of screw IOI until the follower 91 engages with the desired one of the discs; thereafter the pattern will be produced in accordance with the arrangement of butts on that particular disc.

The sleeve 93 extending from the element 31 has a shoulder or abutment H5 against which the hub 92, etc., bears and against which it is free to turn as restrained by a friction element to be described. A friction device containing plungers H5, spring pressed against the ends of hub 92, is attached to the end of sleeve 93 and is prevented from turning by engagement of suitable set screws or the like. This friction element includes the arms In, bosses H3 within which the plungers and springs are retained, and a hub H9. A washer I20 is attached to the end of the shaft 35 by means of screw I 2I and merely serves to cover up the end of shaft 35 as it turns within the sleeve 93, etc. The plungers H6 bear against the end of hub 92 and press that hub against the shoulder H5 so that there is a frictional resistance set up to the rotation of the hub, discs and ratchet wheel 94. The pawl 54 will move these pattern discs at certain times while the friction will prevent any overthrow or unintended movement thereof.

Now referring to Figs. 1 and 7-12, we will describe the operation of the binder and cutter as it functions during horizontal striping. The binder itself is not different from that usually employed on Banner machines and includes a bracket I22 attached to the latch ring 2, a plate I 23, cutter I24 and a' binder I25, the functions of which are well known and are thoroughly described in Patent 1,702,608. The lever I26 pivoted at IE! on the bracket I22 functions to control the opening and closing of the binder and the cutter, this lever being engaged by a connection I28 at the upper end of an upstanding rod I29. The rod I29 is guided as it passes through a hole in a guiding element I30 attached to the latch ring post 3. This rod I29 is connected to one end of a lever I3I mounted to pivot on a bracket I32 attached to the base. The other end of the lever has a second rod I33 pivoted thereto, this rod I33 being attached at its other end to be operated in the usual way from a lever which in turn bears upon one of the cam drums at the base of the machine. The operation of the binder and cutter is controlled from this cam drum and through the mechanism just described for all of the usualfunctions throughout the knitting of a stocking such as in yarn changes at the welt, high splice, heel and toe, or at any other of the usual changes which it is customary to make while knitting hosiery. Obviously any control of the binder and cutter for the striping yarns must be taken from a source of movement which may operate more frequently and with greaterselectivity than is possible from the main cam drum. It is also necessary with the invention herein described to provide a binder and cutter which will operate at the striping yarn changes as they are governed by any one of the patterns on any one of the nineteen discs. To provide such a movement we have arranged an auxiliary control for the binder and cutter which functions at every course throughout the knitting of striped-portions of the fabric except as'governed'by the pattern mechanism. In other words the binder and cutter is capable of operating at every course and if yarn changes should be'made at every course, the said binder and cutter would function as often as the changes are made. However, since th control is derived from the yarn change mechanism as it controls the feeding fingers, changes will occur at only such times as a yarn is actually substituted for one of the other striping yarns.

Now referring to Figs. 9, 10 and 11, the shaft 66 projects through to the side of the frame and carries two cams I34 and I35. Cam I34 has a hub I 36 by means of which it is fixed to the shaft while the cam I35 is attached to the said shaft by means of a set screw passing through its hub I31. The first cam functions upon a rod or bar I38 which will be continuously reciprocated up and down to provide a source of movement by means of which the rod I29 will be moved upwardly to open the binder and cutter providing a yarn change is taking place. Return movements of the binder and cutter are always provided by means of a spring I39 under compression between the guide I30 and adjustable collar I40 fixed to the rod itself. The bar I38 has a roller or other type of follower I4I which bears on the cam I34 and is also forked as shown in Figs. 1, '7, 9 and 10 so that the lower end will be guided by the hub I36.

The second cam I35 functions to impart movements to a bar I42 which is somewhat similar to the bar I38 but is employed to set a mechanism hereinafter to be described for selection at each rotation of the cylinder. Both of these bars I38 and I42 are identical in cross-section and pass through a slot in block I43 which is permanently fixed to the rod I29. This slot is closed by means of a small piece I44 which is detachably connected to the block. The bar I33 is notched at its upper end as shown in Fig. 10 to provide a shoulder on which the entire mechanism will be lifted in the event the binder and cutter are to be operated. The bar I42 is provided with a beveled notch I45, the function of this notch being to reset a floating, selecting element I46 at each rotation of the cylinder. The function of this floating piece I46 which is formed as a right angled element with a beveled and shouldered part I41, is to lift the rod I29 in the-event the binder and cutter are to be operated.

This said floating selecting element will be positioned as shown in Fig. 10 to be engaged within the right angled notch at the upper end of bar I38. This floating piece is held in position by a front plate I48 and by a top plate or cap I49. The front plate is removed, Figs. 10 and 11, and the cap is shown cut away in Fig. 12, however, this floating piece, is obviously free to slide inwardly or outwardly as shown in Figs. 10 and 11, but is constrained from moving in a vertical direction so that movements imparted to the floating element by means of bar I38 will result in a corresponding vertical elevation of the block I43 and of the rod I29 to which the block is fixed by means of a set screw I50, Fig. 1. An extension II has an adjustable screw I52 threaded therethrough and bearing against the side of the latch ring post to guide the movements of the block and to prevent any tendency of the rod I29 and attached parts to rotate as they might under the influence of the selecting devices which function upon the floating selector I46.

Assuming that said floating selector has been moved outwardly to the position of Fig. and under the influence of cam I34 and bar I38 has functioned to operate the cutter and binder, the bar I42 will thereafter be moved upwardly by cam I35 and the beveled edge I45 will then function to push said floating piece inwardly to an inoperative position, that is, a little farther than shown in Fig. 11. In such position both the bars I38 and I42 will continue to be reciprocated up and down during each rotation of the machine, but the binder and cutter will not be operated until another yarn change at which time one of two slides I53 will be moved so as to cam the floating piece I46 outwardly again, this caming action being the result of contact by a beveled projection I54 on the slide. Both of these slides are identical and function one above the other in a horizontal slot beneath the plate or cap I49. The block I43 is extended outwardly as shown in Fig. 8 at I54 and the cap likewise extends in that direction to provide an elongated slot of sufficient extent properly to guide these sliding elements.

The upper slide is connected by means of a link I55 to a lever I56 pivoted at I51 in a downwardly projecting support I 58. The other end of said lever I56 is connected by a short link I59 to the lower end of yarn guiding finger actuating lever 23. The other lower slide is connected by a similar link I60 to lever I6I which is in turn pivoted at I51 and connected by a short link I62 to the lower end of companion lever 2I. As the levers 2I and 23 are moved to either of their extreme positions they will cause the beveled projections I54 to move past the end I41 of the floating selector element and will push it out to the position shown in Figs. 10 and 12. In that position the binder and cutter will be caused to operate. The timing is such that the movement of one of the levers into position just before the feeding lever is moved from position will set this floating piece I46 whereupon cam I34 will immediately move bar I38 up to operate the binder and cutter which will open just in time to take in the yarn which is being withdrawn and to cut it. Of course the new yarn being taken may be withdrawn from the binder prior to this and before the binder is opened. As shown in Fig. '1 the timing of cams I34 and I35 is such that before the cam I34 could make a complete revolution and could again operate the binder and cutter, the cam I35 will have pushed the floating piece inwardly by means of bar I42 and it would be necessary to impart another selection and thus necessary to make another yarn change before the binder and cutter can be affected.

Lever 22 is not necessarily connected up to have any effect on this selecting means to operate the binder and cutter since one lever is never operated without the operation of at least one of the other levers, that is, whenever one of the levers functions to withdraw a finger it is always necessary to move another finger to yarn feeding position just before that finger is withdrawn. Thus one of the levers 2| and 23 always moves when lever 22 moves so that it is impossible to have any yarn change without affecting the floating selector element and without causing the binder and cutter to be operated. Of course, if the finger controlled by lever 22 is the one which is moved to a yarn feeding position, then the binder control is not initiated until the other lever moves from the feeding position, however, the time interval is so slight between these movements that the timing is as satisfactory in one instance as in the other. Actual operation of the binder functions from the cam I34 and it is only necessary to set the floating element I46 prior to upward movement of the bar I38.

The bar I42 is guided at its lower end by a slot I63 cut in the bar which slot engages about a shouldered screw I64 threaded intothe other bar I38 which is directly in line therewith.

It can be seen that the binder and cutter control may function at each course, if yarn changes take place as often as that, or will function at every time a yarn change does take place. The control. is from such a part of the mechanism that no matter from which one ofthe nineteen pattern determining discs the pattern is being taken, movements of the binder and cutter will always function in'perfect synchronism with the changes of the yarn levers and will thus be controlled automatically for all possible patterns which may be knitted;

Now referring to Figs. 13-17 we will describe a modification or improvement applicable to the -first and primary form of the invention disclosed, and which will greatly increase the pattern possibilities thereof. In the primary form of the invention just disclosed the discs generally indicated at 90 are ratcheted throughout a space of one tooth of the ratchet wheel, that is, one'butt on the discs, for each rotation of the needle cylinder of the machine. It is thus impossible with the primary form of the invention to knit variations in stripes which will include otherthan a number of courses to make up the number 48. Of course, other variations are possible by changing the number of butts on the discs, but whatever that number might be, pattern possibilities are limited to stripes having a number of courses which would eventually go to make up the number of butt positions on a disc encountered during one revolution; on the second revolution of the discs 96 the machine would necessarily repeat what had been done on the previous cycle. For instance if the pattern on one of the discs 90 which was in use had all but one of the buttsbroken off, the machine would make just one change in every 48 courses. In other words, the pawl 4? would be allowed to ratchet the wheel 39 throughout a distance of one single tooth and that single color change could occur in any particular course included and would be followed by another color change 48 courseslater as the same butt came around to remove the bluffer plate 69 from'the front of the pawl. a. second time. Another example might be that of breaking butts from a disc 80 so that every eighth butt would. be left on. In this event a. color change would occur every eight courses and the three colors being. knitted would be repeated twice in each 48 courses. In this case every 48 courses would be an exact repeat of the previous in both the number of courses between changes and also as totheparticular color being knitted in each consecutive group of eight courses.

The modification shown in these Figs. 13-17 provides for selective movements of the pattern discs 90. so that the knitter may have available practically unlimited possibilities as to the length of stripe and frequency within which changes may be made. The sleeve 93 is lengthed as shown at 93 and in addition to the discs 90 ratchet wheel'94, friction element II'I, etc., a pattern disc I65 having 48 butts is connected to a ratchet wheel I66 having 48 teeth, both of these elements being freely rotatable upon the said sleeve. A spacing washer I5! is also loosely carried on the sleeve but has a projecting lug I68 which strikes against a shaft I69 to prevent rotation thereof. This washer bears between the hub 92 andagainst the side of disc I65 so that movements imparted to either one of the elements will not be frictionally transferred to the other. A second and similar ratchet. Wheel I16 is freely rotatable on sleeve 93' and has a series of pins III mesa;

arranged about and adjacent its periphery. In this case there are 48 teeth on the ratchet wheel and 24 pins possible of being threaded there'into, however, the number of pins may be varied in accordance with pattern requirements. All the pins are shown in place as well as all the butts being shown on disc I65, but of course, it is to' be understood that some of the butts will be broken away and that some of the pins will be removed to effect whatever pattern it is desired to produce. A second washer I12 having a projection I13 is interposed between the ratchet wheels I66 and III] for a purpose similar to that attributed to washer I61. In this particular form of the invention the plungers on the friction element bear against the side of the ratchet wheel I19 and the effect produced is the same, that is, the discs 90, the single disc I 65 or ratchet I19 and the attached pins may be rotated without interference between each other.

The ratchet wheel 94 is to be moved by means of the same pawl 54, but that pawl now is to be provided with an extension H4 having a toe portion I15 which bears upon the single disc I65, or upon the butts thereon as will be illustrated. The extension I'M is adjustable and is secured-in position by means of a set screw I16. Whenever the toe of the extension ridesupon a butt on the disc I65 the ratchet 54 will be withdrawn from engagement with the teeth of its respective ratchet wheel; thus it is provided that the racking of the discs 90 may be controlled according to the disposal of butts on disc I65. In Figs. 16 and 17 the two positions of the pawl 54 are shown and the discs at 90 have been omitted to illustrate the disposal of butts on disc I65 which would otherwise be hidden in a view of this sort.

The spindle 59 has been extended in this particular instance as illustrated at 56' and carries a second arm ITI and a pawl I18, the construction of which'will be apparent from an inspection of Figs. 13 and 14. This pawl is continuouslymoved one stroke for each rotation of the needle; cylinder and racks the ratchet wheel I!!! one.

tooth for each such revolution.

Now referring to Figs. 14 and 15, the projectingstud or spindle I69 has an angular lever I19: pivoted upon hub I80. The collar I8I positions the lever which is offset at its upper end and has pivoted thereto a pawl I62 which engages the teeth on the ratchet wheel I66. This pawl is maintained in engagement with those teeth by a spring I83. Adjacent the central part of said lever I79 we have adjustably fixed a plate I84 carrying a pin engaging follower I85 for contacting the pins III. This plate I84 is held in position by screws I86 engaging within slots I81 so that vertical adjustments may be effected to get proper timing of the ratcheting movement. A coil spring I88 is held about the stud I69 and has one end fixed to collar I89, the other end extending upwardly at I90 to engage the bent end of a projecting hook I9I connected as shown to the lever I'IS; This spring moves the lever to the left, Fig. 14, so that the pawl engages a tooth of ratchet wheel I66 as the follower I65 drops from one of the pins. Upon being engaged by another pin the lever will be moved and ratchet wheel I56 will incidentally be racked throughout the distance of a single tooth.

According to the disposal'of pins I'II it is possible to vary the movement of the single disc I65and according to the layout of butts on that disc and it's periodic movements, the pawl 54 will be causedto' ratchet the series of" discs90 in almost any desired manner. By these three variable pattern means functioning simultaneously, the control of yarn feeding levers will be affected in accordance with desired variations in the pattern which it is proposed to knit. Likewise, for changes of pattern the follower 91 maybe moved from one to the other. of the discs in the group 90, other discs with a difierent arrangement of butts may be substituted for the disc I65, and in addition, the disposal of pins I1I may be varied as desired or as necessary to eifect the knitting of stripes of different lengths, different sequences of color, and of continuously varying lengthed stripes of the same color, at the same time by the mechanism previously described, the control of the yarn binder and cutter will be varied automatically with changes of pattern.

Operation Now referring to Figs. 18-24, we will describe the operation of the horizontal striper while knitting a pattern such as illustrated in the stocking in Fig. 18. In this particular stocking there are a great many stripes of different widths and having three colors, blue, black and white knitted throughout in sequence. For convenience we will start with the widest stripe which is knitted blue and has 33 courses. Then, in sequence, other stripes follow having respectively the following colors and numbers of courses: black courses; white 4 courses; blue 3 courses; black 2 courses; white 1 course; blue 9 courses; black 5 courses; white 4 courses; blue 3 courses; black 2 courses and finally, white in a single course. This pattern is repeated as long as desired.

In Figs. 19, 20 and 21 the discs 40, 4| and 42 are shown individually in the relationship which they occupy at yarn change as the yarn finger controlling lever 2| is held up on a cam on theplate 40. These plates 40, 4| and 42 are shown in a position which they occupy as the movement under the action of pawl 41 is not quite completed. The lever 2|, as aforesaid, is held up on a cam and the follower on that lever is at about the midpoint on the cam; this lever was raised on the previous change and is merely being held up prior to dropping in on some subsequent change. The plate 4I is acting throughout one of its cams to swing the lever 22 so as to raise a cooperating yarn guiding finger out of'action. The position herein occupied is one which the lever assumes just prior to being moved up on the cam and the delay in moving this lever after the adjacent lever 23 has dropped as shown in Fig. 21, provides for a slight overlap between the incoming and outgoing yarn. The plate 42 has moved to a position wherein lever 23 has swung to a position to allow its yarn guiding finger to drop to feeding position. It can be seen that the follower on lever 23 has dropped from a cam before the follower on lever 22 is to be raised.

The parts of the striper controlling pattern mechanism shown in Figs. 2224 have all been illustrated in such a position as they would oocupy just at the start of knitting the wide stripe of 33 courses. In other words, the single white course has been knitted and the change has been effected to start the knitting of this 33 course stripe. The follower 91 on lever 56 has just dropped from a butt on the disc 9!! so that the blufier plate has been moved up under pawl 41, Fig. 5, to prevent any further ratcheting of the discs 40-42 until that follower 91 is again raised by a butt on the disc The disc I65, Fig. 23, has an arrangement of eight butts on either side which are separated by spaces wherein sixteen butts have been broken away. The eight butts have been shown as a single long butt merely for purposes of convenience and to avoid complication of the drawings. It is thought better to label the number of spaces of butts rather than to burden the reader with counting them each time. Just as the mechanism of Fig. 22 moved to the position illustrated, the pawl 54 was swung away from ratchet wheel 94 as the toe I15 of the extension I14 was raised by the first one of the lower group of eight butts. This means that the pawl 54 will not start to ratchet the wheel 94 and consequently the group of 19 discs until the disc I65 has been moved through eight spaces of butts.

The ratchet wheel I10 is provided with eight pins I1I symmetrically spaced, thus leaving a space of four centers of pins between the groups. The pins are spaced two ratchet teeth apart within the group so that it takes two ratcheting movements or two courses of knitting on the machine to move throughout the space between centers of adjacent pins. The lever I19 which controls the ratcheting of disc I65 has just been moved out by the third pin in the top group of pins, and it is that same movement which moved the disc I65 to the position shown in Fig. 23, thereby lifting pawl 54 away from its ratchet wheel just after the follower 91 fell from the double butt on disc -As before stated, the ratchet wheel I10 is moved one tooth at each course of knitting and in the direction shown by the arrow, Fig. 24. It takes ten courses to move that wheel throughout the remaining five pins in the topmost group; those five pins at the same time imparting five distinct ratcheting movements through the lever I19 and pawl I82 to move ratchet wheel I65 five spaces or throughout five butts. Then throughout the eight courses it takes to ratchet the wheel I10 throughout the four spaces between the group of pins, there are no movements imparted to disc I65. There are three more butts to go on that disc I65 before the pawl 54 can drop and thus it is necessary to ratchet the wheel I10 six more courses or throughout the first three pins in the bottom group as shown, whereupon the pawl 54 will again engage the ratchet wheel 94 to start movements of the group of nineteen discs of which 90' is the particular one in use as we are describing the knitting of this particular pattern. Up to the time this group of discs 90 starts to move, there have been the sum of 10 plus 8 plus 6 or 24 courses, whereupon the pawl 54 will then start to ratchet wheel 94 to move disc 90. There are eight spaces through which that disc must be moved before the 'butt a is encountered at which time the follower 91 will be ratcheted to withdraw the bluffer from the pawl 41 to allow the pawl to engage the ratchet wheel 39 and bring about a yarn change all as have been previously described; This makes it necessary for pawl 54 to be moved nine times or for nine courses more to be knitted of the same color, blue, prior to the change and this totals 24 plus 9 or the 33 courses in the wide stripe.

The following movement of pawl 54 will cause the butt a to move from under follower 91 and the blulfer 89 will move back under pawl 41. Now the follower I15 is resting on disc I65 and will not engage any butts thereon throughout l6 spaces.

'Of course the disc I65 will be moved only as lever H9 is rocked under influence of pins on ratchet wheel I10. That ratchet wheel is moved one tooth for every course and must be moved throughout a sufficient number of courses to bring 16 pins into action before the opposite group of eight butts 'on discs I65 will be in a position to raise the pawl 54 away from the wheel'94. The timing is such that it will take 39 courses of knitting to bring the disc I65 to that position all as will be explained more fully hereinafter. During that 39 courses the remaining stripes are to be knitted with pawl 54 racking the group of nineteen discs one space for every course and with the butts on the discilfl' causing yarn changes at frequent intervals.

The black stripe having five courses will be knitted as butt a moves-out from under follower fluence of butt c to return to the blue yarn for three courses. This will be effected by movements throughout the'two spaces following butt and up butt d. Butt d will'effect a change to "black throughout the one space following and as follower 91 moves up onto butt e-two courses. These double butts e and ,f cause two yarn changes, one'to white for a single course, that is, as the follower" moves from e to f, and thereafter a change back to the blue as the follower Sign v 91 drops off butt I.

Next the disc 90 moves through eight courses and up on to butt a knitting 9. courses of blue. The knitting then follows throughout a repeat of the courses of black; 4 courses white; 3 courses blue; 2 courses black and a single course of white.

The butts a, b, c, d, e, and f are all similar and are spaced throughout the same distances as the buttso-f just described. At this time if follower 91 drops from the butt 'f, all parts are in a position'to start the wide stripe and repeatthe entire pattern.

These courses knitted after the wide stripe and including the last single course of white total 39 and during the knitting of these 39 courses, the ratchet wheel I10 will be moved throughout 39 courses which brings'the mechanism back so that 'at the start of knitting the next wide stripe, lever I19 is moved as shown in Fig. 24 but the third 'pin is in the opposite group from that which we started with in the knitting of the first 33 course stripe. It will be noted that the movement throughout these 48 courses after the follower I dropped from the group of eight butts on disc 165 would bring into action all the sixteen pins on disc I10 and thus ratchet the-disc I65 throughout the necessary'sixteen spaces to bring the opposite eight butts into play at the start of knitting the repeat.

This description comprises one example of a pattern and its formation which is not particularly complicated as knitted with the complete mechanism herein described; but it would be practically impossible with any simple striper Wheel H0, 'byachange of butts on disc I65 era similar disc to replace that, and by shifting from one of the discs in the group or changing 'to a disc with difierent arrangements of butts disposed thereon. What has been described should serve to illustrate the function of the mechanism and the advantages attendant upon its use. Any pattern which it is desired to knit may be set up as described, and it will not be necessary for the knitter to concern himself about setting a pattern for operating the yarn binder and cutter since their movements will automatically follow any change of movements imparted to the .yarn feeding levers.

The principles as herein described are particularly advantageous when used with yarn changing mechanism for horizontal striping but are not limited thereto except as indicated by the appended claims. The binder control has been described relative to its function with yarn change for horizontal striping, but it is contemplated to employ the principles of that part of the invention for any convenient purposes to which it may be applied and the scope of the invention is not to be considered limited other than by the claims.

We claim:

'1 A knitting machine having in combination yarn feeding means, cam means individual to each yarn feeding means for effecting changes in the position of said feeding means to change from one feeding yarn to another as for horizontal striping, means for advancing said cam means through different positions to effect the control of said feeding means, pattern means associated with said cam means, said cam and pattern means being mounted on a common shaft,'and means between said pattern means and the cam advancing means to determine the effect thereof on said cam means.

2. A knitting machine having in combination a plurality of yarn feeding fingers for feeding yarns as in horizontal striping, cam means individual to each yarn feeding means and a pawl reciprocable to engage a ratchet wheel rotatable with said cam means whereby the cams may be advanced to effect changes of the feeding yarns, two separate pattern means associated with said cam and feeding means and rotatable on a shaft common to both, and other means between said pattern means and cam means, functioning upon the .pawl to determine its action for periodically advancing said cam means.

3. A knitting'machine having in combination vyarn feeding means for feeding a plurality of yarns, cam means for imparting selective movements to said feeding means, means for periodically moving said cam means and pattern means for controlling said last mentioned means including a plurality of pattern discs having pattern determining formations thereon, means between said pattern means and cam actuating means for imparting selections from the pattern means to the actuating means, and a second pattern means for imparting selective movements to said first mentioned pattern means.

4. In a knitting machine the combination of a plurality of yarn feeding fingers, cams functioning to impart feeding movements to said fingers, ratcheting means for-periodically advancing said cams and means for rendering said operating means inoperative including a series of pattern devices, one said pattern device being directly operable to control said means for rendering the ratcheting means inoperative and the others of said patterning devices being constructed and arranged 'so as "to modify'the'patterning movements of said first mentioned patterning means.

5. In a knitting machine, the combination of yarn feeding means and cam means for imparting movements of the feeding means to and from feeding position, a pawl and ratchet for actuating said cams and a bluffer plate movable to and from a position beneath said pawl, a pattern drum having a plurality of pattern elements thereon, a follower engageable with pattern determining projections on one of said pattern elements and connecting means for imparting the movements of said follower as affected by the pattern element to the bluifer plate for the purpose described.

6. Mechanism as defined in claim 5, wherein said follower is manually movable for selective engagement with one of several distinct pattern elements on said drum.

'7. A device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said pattern elements comprise discs provided with a plurality of removable butts.

8. In a knitting machine the combination of a plurality of yarn feeding fingers, means for imparting yarn changing movements to these fingers, pattern means for controlling the actuation of said last mentioned means, a binder and cutter for the yarn and means constantly reciprocating and functioning to provide impulses whereby said binder and cutter may be caused to operate once during each course of knitting, a movable element engageable with said means for imparting impulses to the binder and cutter and for rendering those impulses effective to actuate the same, and selecting means for this last mentioned means operable when and only when a yarn change is effected.

9. A binder and cutterfor a knitting machine.

and operating means therefor including a constantly reciprocating element for imparting periodic impulses to actuate the binder and cutter, a movable element whereby said impulses may or may not be transferred through to the said binder and cutter, and positioning means to set this movable element in a position whereby the impulses may or may not be imparted in accordance with a predetermined pattern.

10. A yarn binder and cutter for knitting machines and means for actuating said binder and cutter including a constantly reciprocating element movable at each course for imparting impulses which may cause actuation of the binder and cutter, a movable element connected for actuation of the binder and cutter, means for positioning said movable element out of the path of said impulse means and other selecting elements for positioning it in the path of said impulse.

means if the binder and cutter are to b actuated.

11. In a knitting machine a plurality of yarn feeding fingers and actuating means whereby said fingers are to be moved to effect yarn changes, a binder and cutter for the yarns, a binder actuating means including connections for movement of the binder and cutter element and a constantly reciprocating element for imparting impulses which may be transmitted through to the binder and cutter actuating means, a movable element movable to and from positions to be engaged by said impulse means and constructed to impart those impulses to the binder and cutter actuating means if in that position, means for moving the said movable means to a position not to be engaged by said impulse means, and selecting means for repositioning the movable means in the path of the impulse means in accordance with movements of the yarn feeding fingers.

12. Mechanism as defined in claim 11, wherein said last mentioned selecting means is directly connected to that mechanism which functions to cause yarn changing movements of the yarn feeding fingers.

13. In a knitting machine the combination of a plurality of yarn feeding fingers movable to and from a feeding position, pattern means functioning on said fingers to move them to and from the feeding position, a binder and cutter for the yarns, impulse means continuously reciprocating and capable of actuating said clamp and cutter, and other means operable from the means for moving said fingers to connect said impulse means to the binder and cutter whereby the same will be actuated only when a yarn change is made.

14. A knitting machine having in combination means for feeding a plurality of yarns and means for controlling said feeding means to effect yarn changes as for horizontal striping, pattern means at a level relatively close to that of the yarn feeding means operable to effect yarn changes through means including slidable elements directly connected to said yarn feeding means and pivoted levers engageable with said slidable means, said pattern means including a plurality of separate pattern elements one of which determines the movements of said changing means and another of which controls advancing movements of said first mentioned pattern elements.

ROBERT H. LAWSON.

AUGUSTIN GAGNE'. 

